Arsenal completed a deadline day move to sign Czech international goalkeeper Barbora Votíková on loan from Slavia Prague for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, with the 29 year old set to spend the rest of the campaign in north London wearing the number 13 shirt.
Votíková began her senior career at Viktoria Plzeň in 2013 before spending seven years with Slavia Prague from 2014 to 2021, winning four league titles and one Czech Cup.
She later had spells with Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur before returning to Slavia Prague in 2024, where she won a league and cup double last season. At international level, she made her debut for Czechia in 2014 and has earned 56 caps.
Speaking after completing the move, Votíková said, “It feels amazing to join this special club. Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a special team and special supporters, so it’s a huge honour for me to come here. It’s been a dream of mine to play at Emirates Stadium and I can’t wait to get started.”
Head coach Renée Slegers said the club were pleased to add experience to the squad, adding, “We’re delighted to bring in an experienced goalkeeper in Barbora, who will provide additional cover and competition in our goalkeeper unit. Barbora has extensive experience across different leagues in Europe and is familiar with the WSL, so we feel she is an excellent signing to strengthen our squad for the remainder of this season.”
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley highlighted the importance of the signing as the season progresses, saying, “Barbora will be an important addition to our squad as we move into the latter part of the season, bringing experience and proven ability in both the WSL and the Champions League. I know our supporters will join me in welcoming Barbora to the Arsenal family.”
Alongside her club and international career, Votíková is also a well known media figure in her home country. She runs a very popular YouTube channel, that was launched in 2015, with hundreds of thousands of followers, and an Instagram account. She has been listed among the highest earning Czech YouTubers. She has also launched fashion and media businesses under brands such as Barbes and Barawood.